Charley Petterson, Jr.

An avid fisherman, hunter, and all things dealing with outdoors, Deacon Charley Petterson, Jr.’s love of life did not come to an end with his passing. Deacon Charley Petterson, Jr. traded mortal for immortality Friday, September 24, 2021 at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with a short illness, surrounded by his children who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and faithful friend was born December 10, 1956 to the late Charley Petterson, Sr. and Essie Mae Martin. Along with his loving parents, he was also blessed to have been touched with generous hands in raising from the late Mother Mae Green and Mr. and Mrs. Coleman and Sadeere Hollis in Ratio, AR; they all helped him prepare for the future and obtain a formal education.

Charley confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend P. L. Perkins at Gumwood Missionary Baptist Church, Ratio, AR. He was a faithful member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist church in Southland, AR under the leadership of Pastor Malcolm Curne, Sr. Charley served as a deacon and a member of the Mount Olive Male Chorus.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Charley. He loved connecting with his family and friends, even if it meant long over the road trips to visit them. He had the unique ability to find happiness in his daily activities. He enjoyed outdoor cooking, learning to play the organ from his son, teaching his son and others how to do mechanic and carpentry work. Of all his hobbies fishing was his most favorite; he is known for freezing his catch and sharing it with friends and family. His pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met.

Charley was preceded in death by his Parents, Charley Petterson Sr. and Essie Mae Martin; Grandson Brandon Ross; Brothers, George Baker and Rev. James Baker; Sister, Geraldine Wallace-Williams.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Three Daughters, Vernika Petterson, Benton Harbor, MI; Kamea Rogers and Nyesha Rogers, Jacksonville, AR; One Son, Breon Ross, Sr. (Towanna), Helena, AR. Granddaughters, Zy’kaviana Otey, Eri’nae Otey, Nyecehia Stephens; Grandsons, Eric Otey, Jr., Krishawn Stephens, Darius Stephens, Chance Stephens, Ashton Stephens, Kelby Petterson, Simeon Petterson, Breon Ross Jr., Braylon Ross, and Brion Ross. Charley also had the pleasure of helping to raise Four Sons, Darrick Rogers, Lakeview, AR, Anthony Thomas, Indianapolis, IN; Johnny Taylor, Grady AR; Shawn (Crystal) Thomas; Two Daughters, Markyia Thomas, Jacksonville, AR, Magan Rogers, West Helena, AR. Three Sisters, Annie Lee Hargraves, Monticello, AR, Mae Francis, and Elnora Banks, Helena AR; One Sister-in-law, Shirlyn Baker. He also leaves special friends Natiayoun Williams (and her children); four special cousins; Andrew and Annie Collins, Luella Mitchell-Brown and Ruth Talley. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be truly missed by many whose lives he touched.

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